Buddha Image described as "King Udayana Image"

A distinct Buddha image, the 'King Udayana Image,' was identified within Cave No. 306 of the Longmen Grottoes, dating back to 655 CE. This statue, characterized by its strong Indian stylistic influence—including a low crown tuft, thin robe, and exposed right shoulder—differs significantly from contemporary Chinese representations. Votive inscriptions reveal that this specific title was deliberately assigned, distinguishing it from general Tathagata depictions like the Buddha Sakyamuni. The image's design is replicated across over 70 statues at Longmen, suggesting a deliberate artistic choice rather than regional variation. This finding highlights the cultural exchange and stylistic innovation during the Tang Dynasty, as well as the significance of votive inscriptions in understanding the contextual meaning of religious art.

Hamada, T. (2014). Buddha Image described as “King Udayana Image”. Conversations: An Online Journal of the Center for the Study of Material and Visual Cultures of Religion. https://doi.org/10.22332/con.obj.2014.6